Patricia Era Bath, MD, Ophthalmologist and Inventor

The National Women’s History Alliance in 2013 honored Patricia Era Bath, MD as one of the “extraordinary visionaries and role models in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field, where women are noticeably underrepresented.” Dr. Bath invented the Laserphaco Probe, an important advance in the development of cataract surgery. She also co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness. Additionally, Dr. Bath achieved renown as the first African American woman doctor to receive a patent related to medical purposes. For more information: Dr. Bath’s Women’s History Alliance Award